je suis étudiant
To say "I am a university student" in French, you say je suis étudiant.
This phrase is used to identify yourself as someone currently studying at a university level.
Which one should you use?
The word étudiant specifically refers to a university-level student, whereas the word élève is used for students in primary or secondary school.
How does it change in a sentence?
If the speaker is female, the noun must change to the feminine form étudiante (resulting in je suis étudiante). Additionally, while English speakers often include an indefinite article, you should omit un or une when stating this status in French. The standard phrase is je suis étudiant rather than je suis un étudiant.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not include the indefinite article un or une when stating your status. Instead, use the form je suis étudiant.
Did you know?
- The word je comes from the Late Latin eo, which evolved from the Classical Latin egō̆. This is the direct ancestor of the English word 'ego'.
- While étudiant describes a university student, the word for a younger student is élève, which literally translates to 'one who is raised'. This reflects a cultural view of early education as a process of nurturing and growth.
- In France, being an étudiant is a major social advantage because the carte d'étudiant grants significant discounts on trains, museums, and cinemas.
Examples in context
- Je suis étudiant à l'université.I am a university student.This sentence is useful for practicing the full phrase je suis étudiant.Tatoeba #949666 by U2FS, translation #275627 by CC
- Bonjour, je suis étudiante à l'université et je voudrais parler au professeur.Hello, I am a university student, and I would like to speak to the professor.
- Salut, je suis étudiant en fac. Tu veux étudier ensemble plus tard ?Hey, I'm a university student. Do you want to study together later?
- Comme je suis étudiant, je n'ai pas beaucoup d'argent.Since I am a student, I do not have much money.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two people are introducing themselves at a social event.
- GabrielEnchanté, je suis Gabriel.Nice to meet you, I am Gabriel.
- LéaMoi, c'est Léa. Que fais-tu dans la vie ?I am Léa. What do you do for a living?
- GabrielJe suis étudiant à la Sorbonne.I am a student at the Sorbonne.
- LéaC'est génial !That is great!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries je, suis, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
